Phelps states in the video that he will not be attending the Opening Ceremonies, and also pointed out that he has never been to an Opening Ceremonies in his Olympic career. He explains how swimming is the next day and that it is hard to be on your feet for so long and then go and swim the next day.

At the London Olympics, Phelps did not march but his excuse was more time-sensitive, with the 400 IM going off that next morning. Since Phelps isn’t swimming the 400 IM, and from an individual standpoint his first event is 3 days after Opening Ceremonies, he would have had a bigger gap before this year’s events (with his relay participation still in the air).

Phelps’ absence will disqualify him for the running of flag bearer in what he claims again to be his final Olympics.

In Rio, Phelps will be swimming only 3 individual events, the 100 and 200 fly and the 200 IM. This schedule is comparatively light when juxtaposed with his schedules from Beijing and London, but including relays Phelps will have a busy schedule.

About Aaron Schwartz

Aaron Schwartz
Aaron Schwartz has been swimming since age 10 at CCAT Club Team. Although he's dabbled with many events, he prides himself as being a sprint breastroker and freestyler. He has always been interested in technology, and wants to attend the Goizueta Business School At Emory University. At Emory, Aaron …